by Pastor Afolabi Oladele

Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory. We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners (Romans 5:1-6 NLT).

Wow! Note this: That your faith in Christ has brought you into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand and we can confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory. Wow!

For a “now-now” generation that means little but that’s the unfailing hope that we must rejoice in, no matter the tribulation that’s interjected into our lives! Beloved, think on this powerful assurance remembering what the Lord said to the apostles of the Lamb in John 16:33. These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

And whether that tribulation is on account of character formation or a proving of the genuineness of your faith, the panacea remains the same, faith in the finished work of Christ who overcame all, for us and in us. Now beloved, this particular hope does not disappoint because the Holy Spirit has saturated our hearts with the assurance of God’s love.

As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love (John 15:9).

For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God (John 16:27).

Let nothing take this away from you because Romans 15:13 emphasises that the work of the Holy Spirit is not only limited to filling my heart with the love of God; but more, He fills it with abundance of joy and peace for the sustenance of that hope. Be of good cheer.

Photo by Robert Collins on Unsplash